Preventative Dentistry in Annapolis, MD
Preventative dentistry is the foundation of the dentition.
Our top Annapolis, MD dentist Dr. Polizois and his skilled hygienists work diligently to prevent dental issues from developing into serious problems that can compromise your oral health and overall wellness.
Preventative dentistry also considers restorations and management of previously-treated dental problems like periodontal disease. Our dentist does not want an issue that has already been addressed (or is being addressed) recurring, and he wants your dental restorations to last!
Twice-Yearly Dental Exams for Optimal Oral Health
The American Dental Association recommends twice-yearly dental exams to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to prevent issues like cavities, dental infections, and periodontal disease. However, if you are prone to cavities or are already under treatment for a dental problem, we customize your therapy to meet your specific needs.
At Chesapeake Bay Dentistry, we offer a comprehensive dental exam that looks at the following:
- Changes on x-rays between visits
- Screenings for any unusual lesions
- Gum recession and specific signs that may signify periodontal disease
- Worn teeth
- Bite issues
- Cavities
- Underlying infections
Safe Dental X-Rays and Other Advanced Technologies
Our Annapolis, MD dental office uses digital x-rays during your exam—at least once per year—which emit less radiation than traditional x-rays. In fact, you would probably pick up more radiation by standing outside for a few minutes.
These x-rays provide clear images for better diagnostics.
In some cases—and based on exam findings—Dr. Polizois utilizes 3-D cone beam imaging, which can detect potential issues earlier than x-rays.
To get an idea of why a specific therapy course is recommended, we also use intraoral cameras. These thin cameras, about the size of an oral thermometer, capture up-close images of your teeth and gums. Dr. Polizois shares the pictures with you on a monitor to better explain his findings, offer recommendations, or help you choose the best course for your oral care.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Keith Polizois DMD, MAGD
Keith Polizois, DMD MAGD grew up in northern New Jersey and received his undergraduate degree from Salisbury University. While playing football for the Seagulls, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with dual degrees in biology and chemistry. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry.
After dental school, Dr. Polizois completed a post-graduate General Practice Residency at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center and received extensive training in advanced dental procedures. Dr. Polizois was honored to have the opportunity to ...
Professional Teeth Cleanings Every Six Months Near Loretta Heights
Even if you have a stellar oral care routine at home—brushing and flossing after every meal—we still recommend a professional teeth cleaning in Annapolis, MD. This recommendation falls in line with the best practices put forward by the American Dental Association.
In some cases, we alter this schedule based on your unique oral health profile. In other words, you may find yourself visiting the dentist more often—and undergoing more aggressive teeth cleanings and therapies—if you suffer from periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is a series of gum infections that if left untreated can lead to tooth loss and even compromise your overall health.
Professional teeth cleanings in our dental office are gentle but effective.
At-Home Prevention
Regular dental exams and cleanings in conjunction with a great oral care routine at home are the best way to help you maintain your teeth and gum health through the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teeth may hurt for any number of reasons, which is why it’s important to have regular dental exams and teeth cleanings.
Our Annapolis, MD dentist and hygienist can spot potential issues before they become a threat to your oral health.
Common Causes of Tooth Pain
Reasons your teeth may hurt include:
- Grinding and clenching (bruxism)—Many people grind and clench their teeth during sleep, which causes breakage, erosion, and sensitivity. Left untreated, bruxism can lead to cavities, jaw pain, and even tooth loss. Our dentist can prescribe a custom nightguard to remedy this problem.
- A small cavity, chip, or erosion
- Periodontal disease—Periodontal disease is treatable in our Annapolis, MD dental office. If you suspect periodontal disease, make an appointment with our dentist. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and compromise your health.
- Other underlying issues that our dentist can explore, diagnose, and treat.
If your teeth hurt or are especially sensitive, this is a sign that you should see our dentist as soon as possible. Even mild pain can increase without intervention.
We Are Here to Help in Annapolis
Get in touch with our dental team today if you’re experiencing tooth pain. We serve patients in Annapolis, Edgewater, Riva, Arnold, Severna Park, Pasadena, Crownsville, Crofton, Davidsonville, Kent Island, and anywhere else where people are looking for quality dentistry and a compassionate team.
Oral health conditions, including gum disease, can impact your overall wellness. In other words, preventive dentistry is crucial—not only to your oral health but to your general health.
Your dentist in Annapolis, MD follows the American Dental Association’s recommendations—at least two preventive checkups and teeth cleanings per year. This schedule has been found to significantly lower your risks for preventable conditions.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with an oral health issue like gum disease, your dentist will customize your dental appointments to save your teeth and prevent body-health complications.
Studies have found links between gum disease and serious health issues like tooth loss, certain types of dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, lowered birth weight in infants, heart issues, and lung problems.
Preventive dentistry allows you to enjoy a comfortable, pain-free smile, but it also contributes to your general health.
The team at Chesapeake Bay Dentistry wants you to realize your healthiest smile and enjoy optimal general health, which is why we emphasize prevention. Preventive dentistry also saves you time and money in the future by lowering your risks for so many complications!
Is It Time for Your Next Checkup and Teeth Cleaning?
If it’s time for your preventive dental appointment or if you have questions, give us a call today.
The goal of preventive dentistry in Annapolis, MD is to significantly lower your risks for oral health conditions like cavities, infections, and gum disease.
It’s important to remember that an oral health condition like gum disease can lead to complications you may not have considered.
Gum disease has been linked to:
- Tooth loss
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Low birth weight in babies
- Heart health issues
- Lung complications
Consider your oral health part of your overall wellness. Seeing it this way is crucial now and in the future.
Another important aspect of preventive dentistry is oral cancer screenings. Your dentist not only checks you for cavities and other dental-related issues but also provides an oral cancer screening. When caught early, oral cancers are typically more treatable.
What to Expect at Your Regular Checkup
Your dentist provides a visual exam of your teeth, gums, and jaw health. Additionally, we take x-rays if necessary to look at potential issues below the surface or between teeth.
Your professional teeth cleaning clears your teeth and gums of plaque, bacteria, and tartar to give you a clean slate every six months.
For your part, we recommend brushing your teeth and flossing after each meal—or at least twice daily.
Contact Your Annapolis, MD Dentist Today
If it’s time for your six-month preventive checkup, give us a call to schedule your appointment.
If adequate bone is available, implants can help secure a loose denture so it doesn’t move. In addition to being terrific anchors for stabilizing the denture, they can increase chewing force for a denture. A denture that is held in by an implant can have up to 10 times the chewing force of a traditional denture.
Call Our Annapolis Dental Clinic
Your Annapolis, MD dentist at Chesapeake Bay Dentistry would be happy to look at your dentures and help you decide the best course of action. Give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!
Schedule Your Next Dental Exam at our Annapolis Dental Office
Our program is designed to help prevent cavities, preserve teeth that have been restored, and manage periodontal disease.
If you would like to schedule appointments for yourself and your family or if you have any questions about preventative dentistry in our Annapolis, MD dental office, contact us today.